The Practice Of Motivation: Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to understand how organizations can become more successful in “motivating” their work force. The
argument is that much of the work on motivation is not useful for business. This paper argues that if “motivation” is to be useful, it is
necessary to assume that there is some reason to expect that people are capable of psychological growth. It will be argued that the Self-
Determination Theory (SDT) of Deci and Ryan provides a more robust description of how to think about it. Their position is that selfmotivation,
rather than external motivation, is at the heart of creativity, responsibility, healthy behavior, and lasting change.